Customer Reviews

Hawaiian People Today Na Mamo

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is a very perceptive book. Hartwell has been writing about Hawaiian people and issues since 1990. Na Mamo is a compilation of stories about 12 modern Hawaiians trying to live their lives in a modern world but in accordance with and in honor of old Hawaiian traditions. Each chapter is focused on a specific and critical aspect of the Hawaiian culture and way of life. The chapters are: Farming, Music, Dance, Hawaiian Language, Canoe Paddling, Surfing, Tapa Cloth, Healing, Righteousness and Religion. Na Mamo also features 14 chants and songs written by Hawaiians and 60 images of native Hawaiians and their lives by award-winning native photographer Anne K. Landgraf.

The Hawaiians in Na Mamo do not consciously seek to be in the "public eye." If you were to ask many of them if they considered themselves to be "important Hawaiians," I would not be surprised if they answered with an almost embarressed "no, not really." These are people who embody the word "pono;" they live their lives in a manner that is consistent with their beliefs about their culture. You would probably run into them in the grocery store if you were in their neighborhood.

A nice touch is that Hartwell skillfully weaves historical background about each chapter's subject matter into the narrative about the individual he is covering in the chapter. You actually get an education in Hawaiian cultural history while you are "meeting" the people. Hartwell's style is very engaging - you will find this book a very enlightening experience and very hard to put down. ....

This is a wonderfully photogaph/illustrated book. The lore of the people comes through in their story of both place and struggle within that place. A nice read and great to lend to your friends.